Welcome to Sojourn’s worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led, but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. And if you’d like to see how we incorporate liturgical art and lead the responsive readings, watch the embedded video of our entire service, or check it out on the Sojourn New Albany Facebook page. Our liturgy is written by worship director Justin Shaffer in collaboration with worship directors at other Sojourn churches.
On this Good Friday I and other members of our teaching team taught short devotionals based on the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross, from the accounts in the Gospels. Learn more about Sojourn Community Church here.
Good Friday 2018 from Sojourn Community Church on Vimeo.
Song: Where You There When They Crucified My Lord – African American spiritual.
Call to Worship and First Phrase – Justin Shaffer
- Historically, on Good Friday, the church remembers the day of the crucifixion by meditating on Jesus’ last words – seven phrases spoken from the cross that we see in the gospels. Tonight, we’re going to meditate on those seven phrases together, through scripture and song. You’re welcome to stand or sit, but we urge you to participate, imagine yourself there at the foot of the cross as we meditate together and sing.
Jesus spoke to His Father as He was nailed to the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Jesus’ prayer was not just for the people gathered around the cross that day or the people of that time; it’s a prayer that is for us, those before us, and those to come. He knew that this room full of people gathered tonight were in just as much need of His forgiveness as anyone else.
Song: O Sacred Head Now Wounded written by James W. Alexander.
The Second Phrase- Bobby Gilles
One of the thieves hanging next to Jesus on the cross that day said, “We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:41-43
The dying thief wasn’t going to get the chance to make up for his crimes, to be a better man. He wasn’t going on any mission trips, or serving in any soup kitchens. He wouldn’t get the chance to prove to the world that Jesus had invested in the right man.
But Jesus wasn’t recruiting a blue chipper for his team. His words on the cross speak to all people through all time, saying “There is no one too far gone for my grace.”
Song: One Would Rarely Die written by Justin Shaffer and Jeremy Quillo.
Song: Nothing But the Blood written by Robert Lowry.
The Third and Fourth Phrases – Travis McGowan
When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” -John 19:26
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out to His Father with a loud voice. “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani ?” which means, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” -Matthew 27:46
Theme: The cross is a comfort to those who suffer. There, we see God Himself suffering the agony of crucifixion, and feeling a deeper and much more unimaginably horrible pain as the Father forsakes Him. The paradox of the cross is that His agony is a reason for us to feel peace. First, because Jesus suffered, we can take comfort in knowing that our God knows what it means to suffer, to feel pain. You’re never alone, even in your darkest hour, because there is a God who has been through the fires of suffering with you.
Song: In the Hours written by Helen L. Parmelee and Kevin Twit.
Song: Death Be Not Proud written by Audrey Assad.
The Fifth Phrase-Miguel Monroy
Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
Theme: Substitution – Jesus, who cries out “I thirst”, is the same one who cried out to a crowd, “All who are thirsty, come and drink.” The thirst of Jesus on the cross isn’t merely the thirst of a dying man; it was spiritual thirst. The Son of God, forsaken by the Father, feels an unquenchable spiritual thirst so that you and I could, in His place, enjoy the free access to living water, to never thirst again.
Song: Alas and Did My Savior Bleed written by Isaac Watts.
The Sixth and Seventh Phrases – Jonah Sage
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished…” (John 19:30)
Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
Theme: The Finished Work of Christ / The perfect plan of the father.
Song: There is a Fountain Filled With Blood written by William Cowper.
Song: Revelation Song written by Jennie Lee Riddle.
Closing Prayer: Meg Shaffer.
Lord, the cross is foolishness to much of the world. It’s violent and primitive, and yet if we long to see the light of Easter, if we long for the hope of the resurrection, then we must face the tragedy and the darkness of the cross. Be with us, Lord, we pray, in the sorrow of Good Friday. May your Spirit lead us to greater understanding, may we truly abide in Jesus through the sorrow of Good Friday and the Hope of Easter, and may we rest upon your promises as our Father and our Lord. Amen